Foreshock-induced slip transients set mainshock nucleation timing

Nature, Published online: 06 May 2026; doi:10.1038/s41586-026-10497-5

Analysis of laboratory experiments using a rate-and-state-based Griffith-like rupture framework shows that foreshocks can regulate mainshock nucleation timing, with larger foreshocks generating higher transient sliding velocities and triggering a more rapid transition to dynamic rupture.